The iconic Great Salt Lake in Utah is not just disappearing before our eyes—it’s also spewing millions of tons of planet-warming greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
As water levels plummet to record lows, vast swaths of the lake bed are being exposed, unleashing a staggering 4.1 million tons of carbon dioxide and other emissions in 2020 alone.1 This little-known phenomenon is transforming the drying lake into a significant contributor to climate change.
A Lake Bed Turned Carbon Bomb
When lakes dry up, it’s not just a loss of water. The exposed sediments at the bottom, built up over thousands of years, become vulnerable to penetration by oxygen. This awakens dormant microbes that begin feasting on the organic matter, belching out carbon dioxide in the process.
In the case of the Great Salt Lake, researchers found the dried-out lake bed emitted greenhouse gases equivalent to a 7% increase in Utah’s human-caused emissions in 2020. It’s a vicious cycle: as the lake shrinks due to climate change and water diversions, it releases more emissions, further accelerating global warming.
The Human Fingerprint
Make no mistake, this is a human-driven disaster. Decades of water diversions for agriculture and a booming population have siphoned off the lake’s inflows. Coupled with a climate change-fueled megadrought, the lake has nearly halved in size in recent years.
The consequences are far-reaching. Toxic dust storms are becoming more frequent, threatening the health of millions. Fragile ecosystems are unraveling as bird populations nosedive and brine shrimp struggle. Industries that depend on the lake are facing an uncertain future.
A Multifaceted Crisis
The Great Salt Lake’s woes go beyond greenhouse gas emissions. It provides critical habitat for millions of migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway, supports a billion-dollar mineral extraction industry, and is a cherished recreational destination. As water levels drop, the lake’s increasing salinity threatens its delicate ecological balance.
Exposed lake beds also contain high concentrations of heavy metals and neurotoxins like mercury and arsenic, posing severe health risks to nearby communities as dust storms intensify. The economic fallout could be devastating, with over $1.3 billion in revenue and 7,700 jobs tied directly to the lake.(ref)
Utah’s Billion-Dollar Commitment
Amid the dire warnings, there are glimmers of hope. Unprecedented attention from Utah’s leaders has spurred a flurry of conservation measures and over $1 billion in funding to protect the lake.
Collaborative efforts by government agencies, conservation groups, and local communities aim to increase water flow, improve water quality, and restore critical wetland habitats.(ref)
Emergency measures like raising the berm between the lake’s north and south arms have helped stabilize water levels in the short term. Longer-term solutions include improving agricultural water efficiency, removing invasive species, and changing policy to prioritize the lake’s water needs.
The Far-Reaching Implications of Vanishing Lakes
The plight of the Great Salt Lake is a harbinger of what’s to come as climate change tightens its grip on our planet. Researchers warn that vanishing lakes worldwide could be unleashing similar emissions, compounding the climate crisis.
It’s a wake-up call for policymakers and communities to drastically rethink water management and double down on conservation efforts. The stakes couldn’t be higher—the fate of the Great Salt Lake, and perhaps our climate, hangs in the balance.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
